Spend money on education, not battling teachers

By Lethbridge Herald on October 2, 2025.

Editor, 

In the context of the ongoing conflict between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the current UCP provincial government, it is crucial to scrutinize the financial practices of various school divisions. 

Divisions are tasked with the responsibility of allocating resources in a manner that meets the urgent demands of both educators and students. As teachers ask for reasonable salary adjustments and the recruitment of additional staff to alleviate overcrowded classrooms, it becomes increasingly evident that some divisions are failing to manage their financial resources effectively. 

This mismanagement not only jeopardizes the quality of education but also raises significant questions about the accountability of those making financial decisions within the educational framework. 

The implications of such financial misallocation are particularly alarming when one considers the role of upper administrative teams in cultivating a nurturing and productive learning environment. 

Rather than prioritizing the recruitment of more teachers or investing in essential resources that would directly benefit students, there exists divisions that channel substantial funds into legal fees. For example, the expenditure of $450 to $500 per hour on employment lawyers to counter grievances or human rights claims, represents a profound misjudgment. 

When administrative teams make discernment errors, the most responsible approach is to acknowledge the mistakes and work towards a fair resolution for any grievances or human rights complaints raised by affected employees. 

Instead of investing in legal fees to defend indefensible positions, it would be far more prudent to focus on rectifying the situation and severing contracts from employees fairly. Such financial choices not only deplete critical resources but also reveal a troubling unwillingness to confront issues with transparency and fairness, ultimately undermining the very educators who play a pivotal role in fostering student achievement. 

To address these pressing concerns, it is vital for school divisions to re-evaluate their financial management approaches and redirect their resources toward initiatives that genuinely support educators and enrich the student learning experience. By reducing unnecessary legal expenditures and concentrating on the fundamental needs of the educational community, divisions can cultivate a more favourable environment for teaching and learning. 

A steadfast commitment to equitable compensation for teachers, along with the hiring of additional staff, will not only resolve existing grievances but also promote a culture of trust and collaboration, essential for the long-term success of both educators and students alike. 

Brock Slawtling

Pincher Creek